Carol R. Hughes, Ph.D., LMFT, and Bruce R. Fredenburg, M.S., LMFT

Neuroscience finds that divorce can be a trauma for children and adults alike. Key points Divorce can trigger lasting trauma in children, teens, adult children, and spouses. Neuroscience reveals how stress from divorce reshapes the brain and emotional health. Trauma-informed therapy and support can help the brain recover from divorce-related trauma. Illustration of a human brain with a highlighted glowing region Divorce is often framed as a legal and emotional disruption. Mounting evidence...

Embracing grieving and forgiveness can help heal anger, blame, and pain. High-conflict gray divorce can cause estrangement between parents and children. Forgiveness is for our healing, not excusing the person who hurt us. Grieving and forgiveness practices can ease pain and heal and rebuild wounded relationships. Gray divorce refers to couples aged 50 and older ending their marriage. Researchers found that the divorce rate for this group has been the fastest growing in the U.S., doubling...

Divorce can forever alter the emotional lives of minor and adult children. Divorce impacts the emotional security, trust, and future...